Ma Rainey, the so-called 'Mother of the Blues,' can now be heard clearer than ever NPR | By Debbie Elliott, Daniel Ofman, Sarah Robbins Published July 26, 2026 at 3:46 PM CDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 8:17 Ma Rainey was a musical pioneer. Her voice was once scratchy and hard to hear, but is now crystal clear on a new box set. Copyright 2026 NPR